Community Forums

Jim Rose · 06-12-2022, 06:51 PM

Hello all,

I just wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else has experienced anything quite like this. Back in February I purchased a 2022 Fleetwood Fortis. I was on this forum then becuase of the very rough ride I was experiencing with this Fortis. Well, my Class A Fleetwood is still at the dealer. Within a few days of taking possession, I discovered several water leaks and other issues. It turned out that, in addition to the water leaks, the entire gally cabinet (sing included) had come loose and dropped a full half inch. The dealer worked on it and, after a couple of weeks, said it was repaired and ready to pick up. I went to the dealer but went over the whole coach with the service manage, a friend, and my wife. We took it for a test drive. After 5 hours we had discovered 17 new flaws. These included more water leaks, loos bolts holding the front of the body to the chassis, etc., etc. After a month, I received a call from the service manager who said that all 17 items had been fixed, Buuut, they discovered a leak in the freshwater tank. The only way to reach the freshwater take was to remove the entire rear slide out. This was beyond their ability to fix so they are not going to have the rig driven back to the factory for repair. This is my 4th rv and I have never heard of a rig being this flawed. Has anyone else come across anything like this? I would love to hear from you guys.

LETMGROW · 06-12-2022, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Rose

Hello all,

I just wanted to put this out there to see if anyone else has experienced anything quite like this. Back in February I purchased a 2022 Fleetwood Fortis. I was on this forum then becuase of the very rough ride I was experiencing with this Fortis. Well, my Class A Fleetwood is still at the dealer. Within a few days of taking possession, I discovered several water leaks and other issues. It turned out that, in addition to the water leaks, the entire gally cabinet (sing included) had come loose and dropped a full half inch. The dealer worked on it and, after a couple of weeks, said it was repaired and ready to pick up. I went to the dealer but went over the whole coach with the service manage, a friend, and my wife. We took it for a test drive. After 5 hours we had discovered 17 new flaws. These included more water leaks, loos bolts holding the front of the body to the chassis, etc., etc. After a month, I received a call from the service manager who said that all 17 items had been fixed, Buuut, they discovered a leak in the freshwater tank. The only way to reach the freshwater take was to remove the entire rear slide out. This was beyond their ability to fix so they are not going to have the rig driven back to the factory for repair. This is my 4th rv and I have never heard of a rig being this flawed. Has anyone else come across anything like this? I would love to hear from you guys.

If they aren't going to have the rig driven back to the factory what is their plan to fix the coach? I would be calling Fleetwood and asking what their plan of action is if the repairs are above the skill of the dealer's service department.

Crasher · 06-12-2022, 08:08 PM

It can happen to the best of them. My son traded a near perfect 2015 Mountain Aire for a 2016 model. The first time HE drove it back to the factory there were over 30 items to fix/replace. Some minor, but cabinets falling and counters misaligned etc. When he got it back, they had not fixed all of them. He drove it back again six months later and left it for a couple weeks. When he got it back the second time, there were still some issues. He ordered a 2018 Newell and sold the MA.

theroc · 06-12-2022, 11:25 PM

There's also been the pandemic issue. There have been quite a few articles and discussions on this and other RV forums on the issue dealerships are having with the units built during the pandemic.

Here's one:

“Pathetic quality”: RV dealers are fed up with what manufacturers are producing

rarebear.nm · 06-12-2022, 11:50 PM

With a few exceptions I'd buy a used RV couple years old and some miles on it. The miles may show that it really was being used and not sitting in some pen waiting for repairs months on end. All the while using up the warranty.

TJFogelberg · 06-13-2022, 12:52 AM

Going back to the factory repair service center is the best course of action (while under warranty). Work through each issue until resolved and hopefully you will end up with a serviceable RV that you can enjoy. And yes, I have been through a lesser version of this type of situation. Lots of trips to the factory (Winnebago) in Forest City for repairs. Mostly satisfied now but many a trip were interrupted with service issues. (bought new in Oct 2016). Winnebago has been good as far as warranty service (now everything is out of my pocket of course, 5 years into ownership).

veraken · 06-13-2022, 05:49 AM

Here's a link to the lemon laws for WA for motorhomes. It may help you

https://www.atg.wa.gov/motor-home-lemon-law

Fiesta48 · 06-13-2022, 11:01 AM

Keep your tools handy. At 300+ repairs and improvements on my 2015 you might catch up to me. All RVs are Fix and Repair dailys.

theroc · 06-13-2022, 11:50 AM

I didn't realize that you're the same party that was discussing the handling problem in your other thread that had quite a few responses. At that time, you asked if you should contact a lawyer regarding the WA state lemon law. I thought at the time it was premature in THIS POST. Perhaps it's time now to get serious about what is outlined to do by Attorney General's office.

So to follow up on what veraken said, I'd organize your evidence-gathering and get the ball rolling under the WA state motorhome lemon laws to have the unit repurchased or replaced should you not get satisfaction once the unit is returned back to you.

Again, the WA state Attorney General has a booklet specifically pertaining to motorhomes outlining the procedure and I'll post the link again. Go to page 8 to view how to start the proceedings.

Lemon Law - Motor Homes -- Washington State Attorney General's Office

I can only wish you the best with this. I guess it's the hope that once you get it back, that it's as good as new and things are fixed and it drives like a dream. But if not, I'd sure urge you to get with the state and pursue a buy-back.

Iceclimber · 06-13-2022, 01:32 PM

Just had this exact discussion with a tech at camping world. He said they tell buyers of new RV's to expect a year working out bugs. Yikes.

LETMGROW · 06-13-2022, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceclimber

Just had this exact discussion with a tech at camping world. He said they tell buyers of new RV's to expect a year working out bugs. Yikes.

That might be the only honest statement a C W representative ever made.

Iceclimber · 06-13-2022, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

That might be the only honest statement a C W representative ever made.

They are 8 weeks out working on the Class A's sold across the street, so you tell me who is honest.

kb7uxe · 06-13-2022, 11:29 PM

Hello from Dan.
My uncle bought a new 5th wheel. it was broken from day 1 and remained broken every time they tried to use it. they finally took it to the back and dropped it off.
being elderly and retired texas state laws protected them from legal recourse.
just a shame this stuff get past the inspectors..
welcome to the new world quality 2022....
Best of luck to you.
Dan